Carpenter (Museum Technician 1-2)

About Us

Nova Scotia’s culture and heritage contribute to vibrant communities and enrich the quality of life in every part of the province. The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage invites Nova Scotians to experience and participate in our rich cultural expression.

By exploring our past, we appreciate where we came from. This enriches our lives today and gives us insight for times ahead. Through investing in our future, we help realize the potential of our people and talents. We foster an environment that embraces ideas and innovation. Jobs are generated and our creative economy flourishes. Encouraging cultural expression brings life to our communities. We each contribute to the province we call home through distinct perspectives and traditions. Together, our diversity defines the uniqueness of Nova Scotia.

About Our Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Preparator you will complete tasks at the Museum of Natural History (MNH) and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (MMA). As a Museum Technician, you enhance the effectiveness of our Tech Team by bringing a variety of fabrication skill sets, a collaborative spirit, thoughtful problem-solving, and good communication skills. The Department and the Tech Team relies on the support of its’ Museum Technicians to make sure it achieves good workflow and an excellent visiting experience.

Primary Accountabilities

You may be involved in a number of activities including:

• Supporting the interpretation mandate of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Museum of Natural History through fabrication, installation, dismantling, moving and maintenance of permanent, temporary and travelling exhibit structures and components, as well as program props and materials.
• Developing excellent visitor and educational experiences by contributing to the planning, research, budgeting and design of exhibits and exhibit components, particularly production methods, schedules and materials. You utilize skills and knowledge of working with a variety of construction materials, including wood, metals, plastics, and glass, as well as digital media, and a variety of finishes.
• Supporting the preservation and safe presentation of artifacts, specimen and live specimens from the Nova Scotia Museum Collection, as well as items and artifacts on loan to the museum, through close collaboration and consultation with museum curators, conservators, interpretation staff and contractors and development of secure, museum quality display cases, storage systems and mounts.
• Contributing to a respectful, collaborative, healthy and safe workplace by attending and contributing to team meetings, maintaining clear communications and timely updates to colleagues at both museums and broader – when required, following OHS and WHMIS policies and procedures, maintaining workshop tools, equipment, storage, and workspaces, undertaking minor repairs and maintenance to museum facilities, including CSS Acadia. You work well independently and as part of a team, staff, and with ship keeper when necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role you have completed Grade 12 plus a post-secondary training in carpentry/woodworking with 3 years of experience in carpentry/woodworking. An equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered.

You have experience and knowledge working in a museum work environment, with interest in maritime heritage, boats, or natural history. You also have:

• Experience working with wood, glass, plastics, metals, paints, solvents, etc.
• Knowledge of museum conservation
• Experience working with artifacts
• Knowledge of exhibition design and fabrication including integration of multimedia and live specimens
• Knowledge of, WHMIS, OHS
• Ablility to translate design briefs into 3D structures

You are computer proficient, including the use of software packages such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word and Excel), internet, and web-based applications. You have strong interpersonal, teambuilding, problem solving and collaborative skills. The incumbent must be self-directed, able to work independently but also demonstrate teamwork valuing and respecting a diverse and inclusive environment.

Knowledge of CAD is considered an asset.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of training, education and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Most of your work is completed indoors, but also occasionally outside where normal hazards of a construction site are present. Your safety is important to us, and we count on you to follow all safe work practices when handling machinery, tools, and materials. Some of your duties will require you to climb, work at heights, or within confined spaces.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths